The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are finished congratulating themselves for signing wide receiver Mike Evans and quarterback Baker Mayfield for 2024.
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht is planning two more significant actions: extending the contracts of safety Antoine Winfield Jr. and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs. Licht discussed this during his appearance on “The NFL Report” on Tuesday.
He expressed great confidence in their potential for monumental careers and emphasized the high priority of securing both players' long-term deals.
Tampa Bay used the franchise tag on Winfield, but they can still negotiate a long-term contract before the season, potentially aiding in the team's salary cap situation, as the tag comes with a cost of $17.12 million .
Similarly, Wirfs is approaching the end of his rookie contract with a fifth-year option of $18 million this year, and his future contracts are projected to be costly for the Buccaneers beyond 2025.
Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tristan Wirfs' Rise to Stardom in the NFL
Both members of the 2020 NFL draft class, Winfield and Wirfs immediately made an impact as rookies for the Buccaneers, contributing to the team's 2020 Super Bowl victory and sustaining their quality performance over the past four seasons.
“Our staff succeeded in the challenging COVID draft year,” Licht remarked. “I've even joked that we should continue with remote drafting via Zoom like we did that year.”
A second round pick from Minnesota, Winfield has accumulated 384 tackles, seven interceptions, 11 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, and 15 sacks in his young career, achieving All-Pro and Pro Bowl recognition. Despite only missing eight games in his career, he has displayed consistent availability.
Wirfs has been a consistent presence in the Buccaneers' offensive line, contributing to the team's high-scoring offense in 2020 and 2021. His transition from right to left tackle significantly benefited Mayfield's performance in 2022.
Selected as the No. 13 pick from Iowa, Wirfs has earned three Pro Bowl appearances, one All-Pro honor, and has maintained good health, missing only four games in his career.
Buccaneers Could Invest Over $43 Million Annually in 2 Key Players
According to Spotrac's market value, Winfield's services could command at least $18.4 million annually, which falls slightly below Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James‘ annual salary of $19.13 million, the highest for safeties in the league.
Wirfs might demand an even higher price at $25.5 million annually, matching the highest annual pay for the position in the league as per Spotrac, held by Houston Texans tackle Laremy Tunsil .
The Buccaneers currently have $4.41 million left in salary cap space, with the upcoming draft in April. Additionally, the team is projected to have a salary cap space of $86.6 million to use when wide receiver Chris Godwin will also become a free agent.
